Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/22/2014

Brutal cold in the north chased record tourists to Florida

Knee-knocking cold in the north chased a record number of tourists to the Sunshine State in the first three months of the year. Driven by South Florida, the state set a record for filling hotel rooms, according to figures released Monday. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Legoland Florida runs completely on renewable energy for Earth Day

On Tuesday, LEGOLAND Florida and Tampa Electric will kick off a groundbreaking partnership by making the 150-acre theme park run completely on renewable energy for the day in celebration of Earth Day – the first theme park to do so in the United States. More at WFTV.

Commercial Realtors eye marijuana industry

Business Profile

A better pet door, from Bradenton to the world

When Joe Ambrose moved to Florida with his wife, he sent out 600 mailers to manufacturers across the Sunshine State, asking if they wanted to sell their businesses.

Two weeks and 20 meetings later, the young entrepreneur struck a deal with a couple from Bradenton to buy their pet door company. That was two decades ago, and PlexiDor, of which Ambrose now is CEO, has not stopped growing since.

These days, commercial Realtors in Southwest Florida are thinking a lot about marijuana. Last week's announcement by an Arizona company that it is renovating a former boat-building plant north of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport — potentially for use as a cannabis cultivation center — has sparked a rush of interest in derelict industrial properties. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Miami developer teams with Russian on condo

Veteran Miami developer Ugo Colombo is finalizing negotiations to jointly develop a high-end condominium, the Brickell Flatiron, with Russian developer Vladislav Doronin of Capital Group. More at the Miami Herald.

When the last check is written to the competitors at the conclusion of The Players Championship, a $10 million prize purse will have been divvied up among the world’s best golfers. That’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of economic impact, according to officials from the tournament and the JAX Chamber. More at the Florida Times-Union and the Jacksonville Daily Record.

Entertainment Epcot adds adults-only after party

Walt Disney World has announced a new feature, but no kids are allowed. The new After Hours Wind Down experience at Epcot will cost $35 for appetizers and a beverage flight for adults 21 and older when the park closes at 9 p.m. After the park's Illuminations fireworks show, the kids will clear out and guests will have a chance to wine and dine at four of Epcot's restaurants.